As the new season comes in, it’s time to clear house! We’ve been embracing all aspects of refreshing our lives. Just recently I’ve left my job with a major insurance company to pursue being a full-time mommy. It might sound so much easier to be at home all day, but my friend, I am here to tell you it’s not all relaxing, and it’s not all about being a mom. There are many other things that you take on being a stay-at-home parent. You become more of a support system for your spouse; encouraging them to continue their path in life, making sure your babes are well socialized and learning while still having fun, and keeping up the house and after any pets. All in all, becoming the ultimate multi-tasker is really the challenge!

The biggest obstacle that I’ve had to face was the actual decision to be a stay-at-home mom. It may seem clear when you look at the pros and cons from a third-party standpoint, but when it’s yourself, it all becomes so much more daunting. When I started my career, everyone in my family just raved and congratulated me, but when it came to taking this life altering step, the fear of disappointing everyone just stopped me in my tracks. My thoughts consisted of “Can we financially do this?” “How will Chance feel about it?” “What will my mother think?” “I wonder how my co-workers are going to react?”. It all swirled about like a tornado in my chest. Staying home with my daughter was the most logical thing I could’ve done; like the quote I recently saw, “You can always make money, but you don’t always have the time to make memories.” I had been praying and asking for guidance on what I was to do, and every opportunity it seemed to just hit deep… it felt like what was supposed to happen. So, I did it! The first week was just a blur of catching up on sleep and spending as much time with my little as I could, but when it got down to it, it was more chaotic than before.

What has helped me the absolute most through this change is making a schedule and finding time for myself! I know, I’ve heard that so many times I could recite it in my sleep but it makes a huge difference (for myself, spouse, kiddo, and pets). During the transition time from not going to work every morning at 8 am until 5:30 at night, there was no resemblance of a schedule to be seen; we were going off when Chance would go to work or school. Madi had begun to skip naps, become erratic in her eating, and was completely unpredictable when it came to bed time. It was only for a week and a half, but let me tell you, it felt a lot longer than that. At first, I was thinking that the childcare had completely messed up her schedule or that she was somewhat retaliating for me being gone so much in the last year. After creating a routine for us (including finding a spare moment for myself here and there), she went right back to being the happy go lucky child I once knew and I finally felt at ease. I am truly happy with our decision and I know that God has a plan for each one of us and that in being confident in ourselves, we will be more than okay.

If you’re thinking about making a big change, I say look at your life in detail (pros/cons), consult with those around that you love, and ultimately, do what feels right. It might not be an easy choice, but you know what’s best for you and your family. Trust yourself and what you’re capable of, I know you can do it.

Like always, I’m so happy you came! If you have any feedback, I’d love to hear it!

See you soon,